Q. Why we need Ambient Air Temperatures?
Climatic temperatures and humidity conditions will have an impact on the type of equipment selected for the plant.
A type of "wind chill" can adversely affect the operation of control valves, fuel gas systems, level instruments and other control devices. "Wind chill" effects have the most adverse impact during periods of low ambient temperature, and when there is airborne moisture and high winds.
Heat tracing, insulation and other measures may be required to reduce the impact of "wind chill" to as low as reasonably practicable.
High temperatures may reduce the power outputs of compressors and may have an impact on the performance of air coolers.
In desert climates (e.g. Middle East, Sahara, or Western Australia), "black bulb" effects also need to be considered. This ensures that equipment design allows for exposure to high levels of solar radiation and heating. As well as having an impact on the operation of equipment, high black bulb temperatures increase surface temperatures (and need for protection/insulation) and raise the temperature of hydrocarbon storage tank contents above their flash point (creating a hazardous area).